The complaint was filed Monday in Atlanta by The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which was founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. It says the 2006 law is applied unevenly and allows people to use deadly force in self-defense as a preventive measure rather than as a last resort.

Georgia's law says a person is justified in threatening or using force if he believes it is necessary to protect himself or another person.

The lawsuit names Gov. Nathan Deal and Attorney General Sam Olens as defendants. A spokeswoman for Olens declined to comment.

Two other plaintiffs in the lawsuit are used to illustrate the alleged inconsistent application of the law.